The Esquimalt Lagoon was packed with even more people, live music, and food than usual on Saturday as the annual Eats and Beats Beach Party made its triumphant return.

After two years without the event and plenty of other events being held over the long weekend, the City of Colwood was unsure of how the community would respond this year, but Mayor Rob Martin said it quickly became clear the community had eagerly been awaiting its return.

B次元官网网址淲e expected to see 8,000 people as we did in 2019, but I think we have already surpassed that last event. I would say between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., we already saw 8,000 people, and we are still working toward the end. ItB次元官网网址檚 just an awesome family atmosphere,B次元官网网址� he said.

READ MORE: Greater Victoria kicks off the long weekend with fun in the sun

Crowds filled the large section of Ocean Boulevard B次元官网网址� closed to vehicles for the event B次元官网网址� browsing dozens of local vendor tents and food trucks throughout the afternoon. Some enjoyed the free activities on offer, including a rock climbing wall and stand up paddleboards, while others chose to soak in the sun or the waves on the beach itself.

Of course, live music was at the heart of the show, with this yearB次元官网网址檚 edition featuring performances by dance duo and crowd favourite Funkanometry, OK Charlie, Downtown Mischief, The New Groovement, Astrocolor, and headliners Said The Whale.

B次元官网网址淲e have everyone here from the age of two to 92, and everyone is interacting with each other and just coming together as a community in celebration,B次元官网网址� said Martin. B次元官网网址淲e donB次元官网网址檛 know what is going to happen come the fall and winter, especially with COVID, so taking these opportunities to be a community together is so fantastic. Of course, the music has been wonderful and our vendors are fantastic as well.B次元官网网址�

Martin said the event B次元官网网址� made possible by the 20 or so city staff who chose to work the day to put the event on despite the long weekend B次元官网网址� also provided an opportunity for the city to hit on key points like increasing the use of active transportation within the community thanks to features like the free bike valet service by Capital Bike and a shuttle bus running from a nearby carpooling parking lot, and promote its natural resources like the waterfront.

READ MORE: Colwood approves draft plan for walking, cycling in the community

justin.samanski-langille@goldstreamgazette.com
Like us on and follow us on .